MENU
SEARCHMichelle Ridgway wanted a dollhouse ever since she was a young child, but she never got one as a girl. Now she is building a dollhouse herself from a kit.
Michelle Ridgway
Michelle Ridgway wanted a dollhouse ever since she was a young child, but she never got one as a girl. That’s why when her daughter was old enough, she bought a pre-made dollhouse and painted, decorated, and furnished it. “I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it,” she says. “Like doing a set of nails, I find it very therapeutic and satisfying.” Her passion for this hobby didn’t end there: Now she is building a dollhouse herself from a kit. “For years I didn’t have the room to do another one, until recently,” she says. “I’m amazed at what you can actually buy for a dollhouse — basically anything you can buy for a real house, you can buy in miniature, and the detail and work that has gone into making them is just something else.”
Ridgway decorates her dollhouse with supplies from dollhouse specialists, where she gets details such as 1.12”-scale wallpaper. “I order mainly online and hope to go to a miniature exhibition later this year,” she says. “I know I will probably hyperventilate with excitement because I just want everything!”
Ridgway says her greatest challenge is managing her own impatience to finish the dollhouse. It’s caused her to make a few errors, such as installing the door upside down and having to remove the glued-on doorframe without damaging it. “The cost is also a challenge — it is not a cheap hobby,” Ridgway adds. The dollhouse is a long way from being finished: Ridgway has plans to add brick fascia and tile the roof with real miniature slate. With so many additions planned, the hobby will likely keep her busy for a long time. “I’ve told my daughter she needs to move out so I can build a street in her bedroom,” she jokes.
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
